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Expert: - 11/30/2008


Question
First, thank you so much for whatever direction you can provide.  We have had our 5 year old, neutered, mix-breed cat, Boris, since he was about 10 weeks old.  Though he is an indoor cat, he often liked to explore outside for a few hours at a time.  We relocated to a new residence and I kept Boris inside for several weeks before conceding to his interest in exploring outside.  He had gone out and returned several times before the time he did not return.  I suspect a cat in the neighborhood chased him away and he could not find his way back.  He was gone about 3 months, surviving outside on his own. Someone in the neighborhood, whose back porch Boris began visiting, started feeding him and somehow enticed him into a wire crate (Boris hates wire crates).  Boris was clearly very frightened when we went to get him and we transported him home in the wire crate.  Since his return, about 2 weeks ago, Boris has remained hidden in small places and hisses with ears plastered to head whenever we get more than 2 feet from him.  At night, he comes out of hiding and eats - but he also howls or meows for about an hour.  I don't know what to do to help him.  I've tried sleeping on the couch near where the food is where he seems to cry at night and I call out to him to try to let him know I care and love him and hope to help him heal.  Please tell me what I can do to help our sweet Boris.  I know he might never return to his previous self.  I just want to help him feel safe and loved again.  Thank you again

Answer
Melody,

You could try a homeopathic remedy called Bach's Rescue Remedy which is a blend of flower essences designed to calm and reassure. This remedy is used by pet parents and veterinarians worldwide to treat anxiety and trauma and is very safe and effective. You can find Rescue Remedy in health food stores, naturopathic pharmacies and in some mainstream pharmacies in the section where the vitamins and supplements are sold. I would recommend a dose of 7 drops of Rescue Remedy each morning in a bowl of fresh water. This should really help Boris to come around. Patient, gentle handling with food rewards is also a good idea....Find something that Boris will do anything for - most cats enjoy tuna, salmon or sardines and will try their hardest to earn these rewards...Just be sure that the fish you are using is low sodium and packed in water. Having your vet assess Boris to make sure he is healthy is also a good idea. Your vet may recommend that you have Boris seen by a behaviorist to work out a behavioral program aimed at getting him back to his normally trusting and loving self.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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